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Tattoo Essentials: What You Need To Know |
Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, Part 4
This is only the first of many articles we intend to publish in TCM expounding for you exactly what we believe you NEED to know about getting your tattoo and how to find the right artist and shop to guarantee you get the very best possible artwork for your skin. This particular article will lay out the principles in broad strokes; future articles will refine the views given herein and focus on the particulars mentioned. I hope you find it helpful.
TATTOO 101: ESSENTIALS
So, what do you need to look for once you decide that tattoo art is for you? How do you choose a shop that will be responsible for marking you for the rest of your life? How do you decide on an artist? What things should you look for to know that you are safe at the establishment you choose? How can you recognize that the equipment is new and sterilized? These are but some of the questions I hope to answer for you in this column.
Let me offer you some humble guidance and suggestions for you to seriously consider before you get a tattoo. This isn’t really about style or placement or even motivating factors for getting tattooed...those are topics for another time. This is about quality and integrity and how you can find it in your area—or, if you can’t, how you can find it elsewhere. Believe me; a great tattoo is worth a trip.
I CAN’T WASH IT OFF, MA
Let me start by stating the obvious—when you get a tattoo you have to KEEP IT FOR THE REST OF YOUR LIFE! I know, I know, “That’s soooo apparent; why bother telling us what we already know?” But you would be surprised at how many people will settle for something they don’t want because the thing they DO want costs a little more. It’s the silliest thing to see. People will pay big bucks for their tennis shoes, their clothing, even their cars, right? And all those things wear out in a few years time…but a tattoo will last a lifetime! This is the most important factor that you need to consider, (after you find a competent and clean tattooer).
Keep this always in your mind—you are paying for something that will be with you until you die; you better make sure it’s exactly what you want. If you have to wait a few weeks or months longer in order to get exactly what you want, so be it. If you have to do a large tattoo in multiple sessions, it’s OK. That’s how it works for all of us. If you have to drive or fly somewhere else to get your tattoo—guess what? So do I, and I can tell you, it’s worth the time and money to do so.
Once you KNOW what you want, get that; don’t settle for anything else and don’t look for the cheapest place to get it—look for the best place to get it. If you have heart problems you don’t shop around for the cheapest heart surgeon you can find—you seek out the best. The same is true here.
DON’T SETTLE
That leads us to the next important issue to consider when getting a tattoo. As with all things available in this consumer driven world, the old adage stands true: “You get what you pay for.” You will only get what you are willing to pay for and never more than that. To point out the glaringly obvious—tattoos cost money, and clearly, tattoo shops do tattoos. But not all tattoos are created equally. Not all shops are of the same quality. Not all artists either! Not everyone will adhere strictly to legal, ethical, and artistic standards. You are putting your body in the hands of someone else and you should have full confidence in their ability to do what you want done. If you want the best (and again, refer to the paragraph above—you should want the best since you have to keep it forever), then you’re going to have to come to terms with the fact that the best will always, (always!), cost more than something of lesser quality! Ultimately, it’s up to you to determine what you are worth. If you’re only worth a $25 tattoo done by some kid at his kitchen table, (or even in a tattoo studio), then you have to deal with the consequences of those decisions: bad tattoos that will need to be redone or covered up; bad tattoos that will need lasering because they can’t be covered up; infection; disease...the list goes on. If you think that you deserve the best, then find the best person for the job and ensure that you get exactly what you want.
Part 1 (Tattoo 101: Essentials, I Can't Wash It Off Ma, Don't Settle)
Part 2 (How Do You Know Who's The Best?)
Part 3 (When You've Decided, Expect A Comfortable Atmosphere)
Part 4 (Keepin' It Sterile)
Each part of Tattoo Essentials will be released once a week. Check back soon for the next part to be posted!
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